Media Release 10 June 2023
Christopher Luxon has stated that New Zealanders should have more babies.
New Zealand is currently facing a demographic challenge—a decline in its population. To achieve a population replacement birth rate, the country needs an additional 15,000 births annually.
During the election campaign, Christopher Luxon, the leader of the National Party, made a significant statement emphasizing the need for more people. He said "“I encourage all of you to go out there and have more babies if you wish, that would be helpful.”
Right to Life, commends Christopher Luxon for addressing this critical matter. Statistics NZ recently reported that New Zealand's fertility rate has dropped to 1.65, the lowest ever recorded since 1894. The replacement birth rate for women between the ages of 15 and 44 is 2.1.
Demographers warn that a birth rate of 1.5 is a point of no return. Consequently, our alarmingly low birth rate represents the most pressing crisis affecting New Zealand's future.
Right to Life believes that the declining birth rate should be a primary focus during the general election.
Right to Life would like to inquire about the measures Christopher Luxon and the National Party would implement to increase the birth rate if they were to form the government in the upcoming election.
Additionally, Right to Life questions the response of Nicola Willis, the Deputy Leader of the National Party, who dismissed the issue as an offhand remark instead of a genuine concern. Right to Life asks Nicola Willis what could be more important than ensuring an adequate number of future generations to support our workforce, including doctors, nurses, healthcare professionals, teachers, builders, tradesmen, and caregivers for the growing elderly population.
Right to Life also requests that Prime Minister Christopher Hipkins provide information about the Labour Party's plan to address this crucial issue.
Furthermore, Right to Life urges the leaders of ACT, the Greens, and the Maori Party to outline the actions they intend to take to increase the birth rate to replacement level.
The major contributors to the decline in our birth rate can be traced back to the introduction of the contraceptive pill in 1961. Today, abortion also plays a significant role, with one in five pregnancies being terminated.
It is essential for the government to address this demographic decline by promoting open adoption campaigns and implementing programs to assist young married couples in obtaining affordable mortgages for homeownership, thereby enabling them to start families at an earlier age.
Without children, the future of our nation is at stake.
Ken Orr
Spokesman
Right to Life New Zealand Inc.
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